Too close for comfort: pesticides near school

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A 15 month study by the Center for Investigative Reporting has found potentially harmful amounts of chemically-laden pesticides in the air above an Oxnard high school.

Credit: Sam Hodgson for Reveal

As the pictures suggest, pesticides being sprayed at Bob Jones Ranch are a bit too close to Rio Mesa High School for comfort.

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Here’s what happens when you overlay state pesticide data on a map of the school. Credit: Reveal (The original image is no longer available, please contact KCRW if you need access to the original image.)

Rules concerning pesticide use, however, are made and enforced on a state level. Although this study has sparked major local concern, the Ventura County Board of Supervisors must go through the Department of Pesticide Regulation in order to enact any change.